Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Position: Preschool Teacher

Status: Full-time, Non-exempt

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an hour lunch, and some evenings for parent conferences scheduled in advance.

Reports to: Preschool Director

Compensation: $25.00- $29.00 an hour, depending on experience

Benefits: St. Mary’s Center offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a health reimbursement account; a 401(k) retirement plan; 14 paid holidays; generous vacation and sick time; and ongoing training opportunities. Employees are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following their hire date, with 401(k) eligibility beginning after six months of employment.

ABOUT US

St. Mary’s Center has served seniors and young children in West Oakland since 1973. Started as an outreach effort of St. Mary’s Church, the Center was separately incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1992. Our mission is to be a community of hope, justice, and healing that serves at-risk seniors and preschoolers in the heart of Oakland. We strive to improve quality of life through counseling, shelter, nutrition, advocacy and social support. For more information, please visit www.stmaryscenter.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Preschool Director, the Preschool Teacher establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment.  They promote physical and cognitive growth in children while supporting their social and emotional development.  They offer positive guidance to students and foster positive relationships with their families.

 AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Teacher is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Prepare the classroom and yard before school begins.


• Clean up classroom and yard as needed at the end of the school day.


• Preparation/clean-up of food for snacks.


• Performs tasks listed under CACFP list of duties.


• Supervise all children at all times with the help of the Assistant Director and/or Head Teacher and Teacher Aides. No child can ever be left unsupervised.  We must maintain a 1:8 teacher: child ratio.


• Count children and know where they are at all times.


• Keep the Preschool free of hazardous materials and dangerous substances.


• Be competent in the use of emergency procedures and equipment.


• Communicate safety standards to children and families.


• Maintain learning materials and equipment.


• Adhere to infection control guidelines and be familiar with Preschool procedures for care of sick children.


• Use space, materials, and routines as resources for constructing an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment that encourages exploration and learning.


• Encourage physical activities that will strengthen social, cognitive, and physical development.


• With the Director, plan and prepare the learning environment and the daily program.


• Plan activities that are developmentally appropriate for children’s ages.


• Model appropriate behavior and language throughout the day.


• Encourage children to use problem-solving techniques.


• Help each child feel accepted in the group.


• Provide physical and emotional security for each child while helping him/her to develop positive self-esteem and independence.


• Maintain an open, friendly relationship with each child’s family.


• Maintain absolute confidentiality about children, families, and Preschool staff members.


• Meet with the Director and other Preschool staff members each week.


• Commit to participating in Preschool staff training.


• Participate in St. Mary’s Center activities, including fundraising activities, as a staff member.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 24 units ECE/CD including core courses (1)+16 GE units


• AA or higher in ECE or related field with 3 semester units of supervised field experience.

• Must complete 21 hours of professional growth training annually.


• Possession of current certificates or cards in pediatric CPR and pediatric First Aid upon hire.


• Have a health screening, with evidence of a negative TB test, performed by a physician within one year prior to employment, or must obtain one within seven days of employment.


• Have or obtain a criminal record clearance from the Department of Justice.


• Be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  In general, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Must be able to lift and carry a small child (up to 50 lbs.) as needed/in the event of an emergency. Other physical demands include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting, grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching, stooping, using smell and touch, working outside and vision and hearing.

St. Mary’s Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer   
Saint Mary’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Equal Employment Opportunity. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, St. Mary’s Center will consider qualified applicant with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if St. Mary’s Center is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the convection, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.